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Caffeine Heart: Chapter 18

Pairing: College student!Lee Know x reader.

✩Strangers to frienemies to lovers.✩

WARNINGS: harrassment, assualt (physical), attempted breaking and entering (not described), minor panic and anixety spirals

SUMMARY: Lee Minho has a small group of people that he likes. He doesn't need anyone else. Then enter you, Han’s new project partner. He didn’t see you often at first, only occasionally when you would drop off drinks to Han. Then he's seeing you everywhere and he hates it. At least that what he tries to tell himself.

Note: I would say I was gonna wait until I had the rest of this story written but who am I kidding. I'll always post as soon as I get the chapter done. First and last scene are in Minho's POV the middle two are in Y/n's. As always if you saw any spelling or grammar mistakes no you didn't :)

TAGLIST: CLOSED

WC: 2,740

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Trees blurring past, cold wind whiping his face, and the growing ache in his knee and all he can focus on is closing the distance to you. As soon as he read that first message he was rushing out the door barely having the forethought to find Ji to call the police. Not having time to fully explain but the pure terror on his face seemed to stop him from asking too many questions.

As the cafe finally comes into view he begs for a second burst of energy. Making out a figure near the front he heads for it. Using the surprise and his momentum he collides with the figure shoving him to the ground. Planting himself in front of the door, another obstacle to get through. Another shield to protect what's inside.

"Hey man what the fuck?!" Standing up to inspect himself for injuries he's is clearly pissed. Hands thrown out, shoulders tense, and breathing heavy. He looks fine, a shame really Minho would have hit him harder if he knew. His wild eyes scramble to identify what, more aptly who, interrupted him. Recognition hits them at the same time. "that bitch" it's said quietly and maybe if Minho wasn't so on edge and tuned into this scums every move he might not have caught it.

This is the guy who has been harassing y/n. Making comments every time he comes in. No matter how many times you've changed schedules he'd learn it. It started escalating and he grabbed her while she walked by. Minho still hasn't decided if it's a good thing he wasn't there that day. Thankfully K was and took care of it, but he'll never forget how scared she looked when telling him about it.

"Listen, I'm going to say this once. You need to leave and not come back. Police are already on their way and last I checked harassment is a crime."

"Like that bitch doesn't enjoy the attention."

"Call her a bitch again and you're gonna lose the ability to speak." The knowledge that she's inside is the thin line his composure hangs from.

From his very first meeting this guy's been a problem. Pushing boundaries and taking no as a game rather than the rejection it is. Tonight that game ends.

Instead of listening, because these type of men never actually listen, his posture shifts. Minho can tell he's getting ready to lunge, almost as in tune with others as he is his own body. As expected his weight moves to his back leg Minho knows what follows.

Without extra warning he lunges and Minho's able to dodge. Moving to the right and putting his hands out to redirect his energy. Shoving him back to the ground and angering him further.

He can hear sirens in the distance and the relief is immediate. Looking to find what direction they're coming from. As he sees the lights getting brighter he turns wanting to wave them over. One second he feels relief thinking this nightmare is over. The next he's being pinned to the ground.

The wind knocked out of him and a sharp pain flaring from his knee. His hands shoot to his head to protect himself from the oncoming punches. "She shouldn't have called you. If she just let me in she would have had a nice time."

Minho was able to adjust and close the distance between his head and the attackers chest. Making it harder for his punches to land with any meaning.

"Hands in the air!" Shouts repeating the phrase come from several directions. Minho lets go and raises his hands.

Two figures approach and move to arrest the attacker. The guy clearly wants to run but has no path. It's a nice view, seeing the man squirm after everything he's put his girl through.

"I tried to tell you." He gloats, pulling his phone out now that the police seemingly have things under control. He wastes no time calling her, now anxious and needing to see her with his own eyes.

---

The walk to Minho's was a blur, every step taken leaves you retreating further into your mind trusting he will take care of you.

Weight on your shoulders and cushions meeting your body bring you back to the present. Looking up at the man in front of you helps bleed out the remaining tension.

"Are you ok?"

It's a complex question. On one hand it's nice that things are being handled and he hopefully won't bother you again. On the other tonight's been too much and you want to curl in a ball and ignore everything and everyone.

Not able to form a verbal response you opt to hum. His smile tightens and he brings his hand up. Moving slowly like you're a wild animal he doesn't want to spook. Petting your head, the weight feels nice and as his hand moves down to your face you lean further into the contact. A small smile makes its way to your face.

"Awe there she is, my little jellyfish." His words hit their intended mark, reminding you of your day together at the aquarium. The real beginning of this growing relationship. You can't help it when your smile grows a little brighter at the thoughts. "I missed that smile. I'm gonna make us some tea ok? I'll be right back."

He heads to the kitchen but you feel his gaze watching you. It's a comforting weight, not one that's going to judge or ridicule, one that will offer support. No longer trapped in your own personal prison, aka your mind, you notice how he's favoring one leg while walking.

You're only granted so long to think about it before he returns. Several minutes later he returns tray in hand. Giving you a mug he then pulls the ottoman closer to set the snack filled tray down. You don't pay much mind to the warmth instead staring at the bandage now sitting under his eye.

"I'm sorry." This is all your fault. If you hadn't decided you could close alone this wouldn't have happened. Maybe you should have called K instead. In the moment all you could think of, all you wanted, was Minho. Wishing he was there to take care of this. Now your selfish thinking is the reason the sweet man in front of you is injured.

Softly he starts speaking, using his hand to lift your chin forcing your eyes to meet his. "Y/n I will say this as many times as you need me to. You did nothing wrong. I'm glad you called me. I WANT to be there when you need help. I'm ok, my face is fine barely even a scratch." Clearly seeing your desire to protest he brings his other hand to your face too. Tucking the loose hair behind your ear. "My knee will be fine, I'll take a couple days off and it'll be good as new. I'm ok, you're going to be ok, we're ok."

Words are trapped behind a sob you're forcing back. Eyes shifting between his looking for any lies hidden away, you don't find any. He sits back grabs the remote and puts on a movie.

"I'm sure which one is your favorite and this is next on my list to watch. I hope it's ok." It starts playing and it doesn't take you long to figure out what movie it is. Keys to the Heart is one of your favorites. After a second his words also register in your brain.

"Your list?"

"Yeah I know Lee Byung-hun is your guy so I'm watching all his stuff now. I'll admit I see the appeal. His stuff is really good." Scrunching your nose you try to fight it but after everything that's happened you're growing tired of fighting. Once weight turns to pricks behind your eyes there's no use. The tears come slow at first leaving a warm trail to your chin. Giving you the, probably false, impression you can get back in control of them.

Minho's eyes widen "Whoa whoa whoa, wait what's wrong?! I can change the movie if you hate it. I just thought you could use some extra comfort."

Those words break the last of your control, sobs breaking free. Shaking hands move the mug to the side and you close the gap between you. He shifts and helps to guide you onto his lap. Arms wrapping your waist, squeezing and grounding you. The reality of everything is finally hitting, adrenaline crashing.

"I'm here, you're safe." The two of you sit there for a while, the low sound of the movie playing in the background helps settle your racing brain. After a few minutes of hiding in his neck he asks "Do you want me to call K?"

"No." Pulling away to look at him, eyes wide and head shaking "I want to stay with you. Please."

"Of course, for as long as you want." He reaches up cupping your face and removing the evidence of tears. Readjusting you move, legs stay laying across his lap and you lay against him.

Sitting on the couch with Minho it feels like you can finally relax. Feeling safe knowing that nothing will reach you while he's there. "Thank you for coming." You whisper, afraid if you speak too loud your emotions will make another appearance.

"Always." He whispers back while pulling you closer.

---

"Jisung I think I'm gonna throw up?"

"Y/n we're going to be fine. We've been working on this for months and we practiced all weekend. Hell I'm sure Maki could easily present for us after the amount of times he watched."

His words don't help ease the anxiety coursing through your veins. He's right, the two of you definitely drove all your friends crazy with the amount of times you wanted to practice. After the shift from hell Jisung brought a beautiful distraction shaped as practicing your project.

Still practicing in front of your friends is different than presenting in front of the class. If you mess up now it will affect both your grade and Jisung's. What if you mess up and he is so mad he doesn't want to be friends anymore. Would Minho follow his lead?

"Wonderful presentation, looks like next we have Jisung and Y/n."

Trying to shove the anxiety fears away and center your mind you take several deep breaths. Fighting to gain control the butterflies flapping a storm in your stomach. Connecting devices and pulling everything up Jisung eventually starts the introduction,

"For our project we watched, analyzed, and created music for the series Weak Hero Class directed by Yoo Soo-min."

Following you cue you chime in, "We're going to share how music is it's own character, dissect how each character would interact with music, and even share our own original song that we feel captures the soul of the show."

You hate to admit it but Jisung was right, once you started talking everything came out easily. The two of you flowed easily between each other. Not letting any awkward moments build between each others points. While you were sharing the character curated playlists Jisung was pulling up his song.

Before you knew it you were finishing closing statements and opening the room to questions. Finally you're back in your seat feeling like a ton of bricks has been lifted from your chest.

Jisung is beaming, clearly proud of your work, and you can't help join him. The rest of class goes quick now that you no longer have the presentation looming over your. The two of you are waling down the steps when your professor stops you.

"Actually Jisung and y/n I was hoping you could stay after for a moment." Those words pop every good feeling that was bubbling in you. A tense nod is your only response.

"I thought your presentation was done well. I think the two of you are a great pair, each having a unique understanding of music and it's purpose. I'd love seeing the two of you in more of my classes. I think you could have a bright future in the industry."

She turns to pack up her bag, signaling she's done. You and Jisung manage to make it outside the room before turning to each other and hugging.

"I told you we'd kill it!"

"Yeah you were right."

"Wait! Say that again I want to record it. Min will never believe me."

Smacking his shoulder and laughing you walk towards your next class.

"Wait! y/n say it again!" Jisung sprints after you phone in hand.

---

Minho can't help but smile at the sight in front of him. Several of his favorite people and a few new friends circled around his living room. Drinks in hand, soft music playing in the background, and everyone talking and laughing. One laugh stands out in particular.

It's been almost a week since the break in attempt and police arrested him and issued a restraining order for when his, much too short, stint in jail is up. He's not sure who was more worried about her next shift. Minho ditched his class and stayed the entire time. Luckily nothing happened but that didn't stop him from watching every person that entered throughout the afternoon.

Eventually she finally convinced him that she's ok and he dones't need to hover or worry. Looking at her now he finally believes it. She is his strong jellyfish afterall.

Continuing his evaluation of the group his eyes meet K. Things are still a little tense there, not that he blames him. If Minho could beat himself up he would. K's head tilts towards the kitchen and he stands heading that way. Minho knows he's meant to follow so he takes what is hopefully a disceet deep breath and stands.

"I'm going to the kitchen, do you need anything?" He leans over and whispers in her ear. Never getting tired of her reaction. The way he can see the goosebumps across her skin. The way her breathing changes slightly. It's an addicting feeling and he wonders how he went so long without it.

She turns to him smiles and shakes her head so he moves to meet whatever fate has waiting for him.

When he crosses the doorway he sees K's back. Shoulders high and tense. "It's no secret to you that for a long time I've been the one looking after y/n" Minho's not sure if he's actually supposed to answer or not. He doens't have to ponder for long because K continues on, "It was just the two of us for a long time. Even after Maki and Jo joined I was the one she would call for help." He turns to face him now, eyes teary but his shoulders have lost some of the tension.

"When I heard what happened at the cafe I was sick. I wondered why she didn't call me. I wasn't mad but it was weird hearing about something like this after the fact. Then I saw you with your brace the next day.

I don't mean it to sound like this but I was relieved when I saw that. Not because you were injured but because I knew that, just like me, you'd do anything to protect her. So I wanted to actually say this to your face. Thank you for being there for her, for keeping her safe. I know things started off rocky but I am glad she has you now too."

K downs the rest of his drink and pours a refill. As he heads back to the living room he stops at Minho, "Just know if you mess this up in any way I will make sure your life is miserable." His hand pats his shoulder sending Minho's thoughts flying at the sharp contrast in his two statements.

He can't help the honest thought that leaves him, "If I mess this up I'd beg you to"

The two of them return to the living room leaving the conversation behind them. Things would probably still be weird for a while but when he watches K and y/n together he knows it'll be worth it. At the end of the day they want the same thing.

He retakes his place next to her not hiding the smile when she naturally leans into him while continuing her conversation.

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